The fire was on the corner of the right side of the railing outside the restaurant in a front stoop, Mandana Inn owner James Hares said.

"The fire was so minimal on the front porch, it didn't even get to the front door," said Hares, who took ownership July 20. "I'm very fortunate that's all that happened."

The restaurant will not open for business today because Hares said he has to get the restaurant back in order, but he hopes to reopen Monday.

The Onondaga County Health Department provided Hares with a list of instructions, which Hares said he is following. In addition to cleaning and replacing anything that would smell of smoke and be hazardous to customers, Hares said he also plans to replace the front porch.

The restaurant, built in 1935, is known for its seafood specials like Boston scrod, frog's legs and softshell crab, plus the acclaimed black-bean soup and steaks and chops.